‘“We feel it’s a great environment to continue the development of our top prospects,” said Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier. “Many of the players on our current roster have developed their skills in Rochester. The close proximity of Rochester to Buffalo allows our organization to better monitor the progress of our top prospects.”’

‘As part of the deal, the Sabres will provide Rochester with a coaching staff and a minimum of 10 prospects. The agreement extends the Sabres’ affiliation with Rochester to 28 years, the longest current partnership in professional hockey.’

‘“We are happy to get our affiliation plans with the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers completed before the end of the regular season,” said Amerks President and CEO Steve Donner. “It gives all three organizations time to plan our roster for next year and gives our fans a clear picture of what team we are working with and what their roles will be.”’

'"There's a great unknown in dealing with a young goaltender. I think that a lot of teams are faced with that going into the playoffs, not just us," Ruff said before Miller lost to the Philadelphia Flyers at home on Friday then looked considerably sharper the next night in beating the Ottawa Senators on the road.'